From Jan 4: Sherlock - The Abominable Bride
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The BBC modernization of the enterprising sleuth has struck a major chord on the Mainland, sparkinga sadly banned genre of online fan fiction. In this stand-alone special, the two find themselves in 1890s London on a special case that will premiere on New Year’s Day. However, fans in China will just have to wait a few days before they can watch the special on the big screen, as Sherlock: The Abominable Bride lands an unprecedented cinematic release date. Make sure to catch it before theStar Wars monolith takes over the country a few days later.
Jan 8: Revel’s World of Shakespeare
Stage veteran Joseph Graves returns to Shanghai for this popular one-man show. The artistic director of PKU Institute of World Theatre and Film relives his experiences as a six-year-old schoolboy studying under a professor whose harsh manner was balanced with his love of the Bard.
> Jan 8, 7.30pm, RMB80-280. Lyceum Theatre, tickets. See event listing.
Jan 8-10: The Gruffalo
Described by The Observer as “a modern classic,” this magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book is the toast of London’s West End. Follow Mouse on an adventure through the deep, dark woods where he encounters characters like the wheeling-dealing Fox, General Owl and party animal snake. When they try to eat him, Mouse must conjure up a story of an imaginary monster friend. However, what Mouse doesn’t know is that he will have to escape the jaws of this faux protector as well.
> Jan 8-10, 7.30pm (Fri), 10.30am (Sat-Sun), 2.30pm (Sat), RMB80-480. Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre,tickets. See event listing.
From Jan 9: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
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The ground-breaking galactic caper returns for Episode Seven. Set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, original cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher return to reprise their iconic roles. However, newcomer Daisy Ridley, Attack the Block’s John Boyega and A Most Violent Year’sOscar Isaac star as this trilogy’s catalysts Rey, Finn and Poe. Director J. J. Abrams has already proven capable of rebooting a beloved series with the recent Star Trek films. Fans aren’t expecting A New Hope, but they won’t tolerate another clunker like The Phantom Menace. While the film is expected to get an unprecedented three weeks in China's cinemas, make sure to catch it early just in case.
Jan 10: Brooklyn Gospel Brunch
Urban Aphrodite and The Apartment team up to present a soul food buffet. Fresh from appearances in Little Shop of Horrors and the Stevie Wonder tribute concert, LaTrece Bracks will perform gospel music’s greatest hits from 1.30-3.30pm. Group reservations available.
> Jan 10, 12.30pm-3.30pm, RMB250-300. The Apartment, tickets@urbanaphrodite.nl.
Until Jan 10: Dalí’s Fantastic Universe
This massive Dalí exhibition has been seen by over 10 million people across 80 museums worldwide and features over 300 Dalí pieces. Major highlights include 24 large bronze statues, ‘Spellbound’ (pictured) and his ‘Mae West Lips’ sofa. However, rarer works like 10 original Tarot collages and lithographs inspired by Carmen showcase the diversity and productivity of the surrealist master. For more, check out our preview of two major Dali shows in Shanghai.
> Until Jan 10. Bund 18, tickets. See event listing.
